We are always taught from a young age
to not show too much skin
to never defy an adult
to never say no to an adult
so how can we blame a child
when she is the product of your upbringing
a product of your making
she was innocent
but so damaged
all in the hands of our unforgiving society
The hands pushed her
and pulled her
crumpled her up
threw her away
and all she was left with was
the bitter taste of guilt
that followed her throughout life
like a shadow

Fear.
She carries it on her shoulders
on her heart
on her soul
but she did not know
that living with fear
is not living at all

How can something so painful,
Be so beautiful at the same time?
These thoughts washed over my mind
While the bath water washed over my scars,
A remembrance of destructive times in my life
Everyday I put on clothes, I am reminded
Of the pain he caused me
But the pain comes and goes
Like he often did before;
Came and went as he pleased,
Used me to his advantage.
Every time he did, he took pieces of myself away with him.
He took and took
Until there were no more pieces to take;
Because, to his delight, they'd already been stolen
From him of course.
All at the blossoming, ripe age of thirteen.